Joy in the Midst of Sorrow

"The honeymoon is over," is an expression that I have used many times before, and I feel like this is one more time where it applies. I think that with a lot of things in life you remember the good things. You tend to dwell on the happy, encouraging, beneficial moments in life. It can be easy to forget the struggles.

This week I have started to look at Kenya through a new lens. Sitting in people's houses while listening to stories of drunkenness, starvation, abandonment, loss, death . . . it takes its toll. How do you encourage people in the midst of such struggles? How do you let your light shine when you know deep inside yourself that you have no idea what they're dealing with?

A woman we met on Monday told us that she had a big family. All of the sons and daughters married. The sons died and their wives left. The daughters have disappeared. She, along with her husband, are now taking care of some of their grandchildren who were abandoned by their mothers after the husbands had died. She is old; barely able to walk; and her husband is much the same. What do you say after hearing a story like that?

I turned to her and asked if I could read her something from the Bible. I started to read Psalm 23. I told her that this Psalm had helped carry me over the past 3 years. As I said it from memory she said it along with me. Afterward she told me that she used to be a Pastor, but can't anymore because she is unable to talk to church.

We have heard this story so many times. It feels like every house we enter there is a similar story. With each story we hear comes a consistent reply--thanks be to God for he has enabled me to serve him and has provided for me in the midst of pain.

Everywhere we visit people are so thankful for everything God has given to them. It doesn't matter if your house is made of mud, you just miscarried, you can't afford school for your kids, and you don't know where supper is going to come from. Through all of that stuff there is a joy that surpasses knowledge. Through all of the pain and sorrow comes a calm voice, "I am with you in this valley."

As you think about Dan and I continue to pray that we may be able to be a light here. It is tough to hear so many stories and remain positive. There is so much to be mad, sad, disappointed, angry, frustrated about, but we serve a God who is able.

We have started a weekly feeding program for Operation Joseph on Saturday's. We are starting to plan for Christmas gifs for the kids. It looks like each family will get a blanket, shovel, machete, and cooking pot. Your support is helping to give a hand up to these families in Kenya. From these families we want to pass on their love and appreciation.

Thank you for all of your support.

Rob